The reality of winter in Portugal 🥶

When people consider moving to Portugal, the first thing that often comes to mind is the perfect weather. The popular perception is that the country enjoys endless sunshine and warm temperatures year-round, creating a permanent summer paradise. But is that really the case? Let’s dive into the reality of Portugal's climate and what you can expect when you visit.

Summer all year long?

When people imagine Portugal, they picture endless sunny days, lounging on the beach, and sipping sangria under a bright blue sky. Sounds perfect, right? But here’s the scoop: the weather can be a bit more complicated than that. For starters, Portugal isn’t just one big sunny paradise. If you head up north, you might even find some snow in Serra da Estrela—yes, snow! Who would’ve thought?

Now, during the day, especially in the southern parts, it’s usually pretty pleasant, with temperatures averaging around 10°C to 15°C. I mean, I’d love to wear my cute sweaters and boots, but the weather doesn’t always cooperate. It feels like summer during the day, but as soon as the sun dips below the horizon, it can get pretty chilly. Just to give you an idea, in October, Lisbon’s nighttime temps can drop to around 14°C, and in winter, we’re talking about 2°C to 4°C at night!

And let’s be real—while 15°C might feel like a beach day for my Canadian friends during winter, it’s still quite fresh here in Portugal. The wind can be a bit chilly, and you’ll definitely want a jacket when you step outside. My favourite part about winter in Lisbon? The fashion game! You’ll see tourists strolling around in shorts and dresses, living their best life—while the locals are bundled up in layers, trying to stay warm. It’s like a fun guessing game every time I go out!

What to wear (outside)

You might be wondering, if it’s warm during the day and cold at night, what on earth should you wear?

Well, first off, it really depends on what time you’re heading out. If you’re working a 9-to-5 job, you’ll likely leave home when it’s chilly and return when it’s just as cold. In that case, you might as well dress for the cold! However, if you’re planning to go out around 5 or 6 PM when the sun is still shining but the temperature is about to drop, that’s where it gets a bit tricky.

Another factor to consider is how well you tolerate the cold. I know people who happily strut around in shorts during the winter, while there’s Miss Yulia, who wouldn’t dream of leaving the house without her cozy Canadian parka. It’s all about finding what works for you!

Overall, here’s my go-to list for staying warm:

• A good jacket

• A cozy scarf

• Some comfy sweaters

• A beanie or toque

• Warm socks—because, as my babushka always said, “your feet should always be warm!”

What to wear (inside)

But what about inside your home? That’s where things can get tricky. You’ll want to invest in some cozy warm pajamas, thick socks, and comfy slippers. If your apartment doesn’t get much sunlight during the day, you might find yourself waking up to a chilly 16°C—definitely not the ideal start to your morning!

If you’re coming from a country with central heating—like Canada, or even Germany—you might be in for a surprise. On the flip side, if you hail from a place without heating, you’ll probably adapt just fine. After all, you know what it’s like to bundle up in ten layers just to stay warm at home!

One thing that nobody really talks about is how often people get sick here because of the cold and dampness. You know that seasonal flu you usually get when the weather changes? Well, here in Portugal—at least in Lisbon—everyone I’ve talked to seems to echo the same sentiment: “I’ve never been sick more or longer in my life.” It’s a reality check that many newcomers face.

How to Keep Yourself Warm

When you arrive in Portugal, you’ll notice that many people keep their blinds closed, both in the summer and winter. The reason? It helps maintain the temperature inside by keeping the cold out or holding in the warmth.

Things You Might Consider Buying:

• Electric blankets

• Hand warmers

• Heaters

• Dehumidifiers

If you’re planning to stay in Portugal for the long haul, consider investing in air conditioning. Ever since we installed ours, we haven’t had to use heaters at all. Honestly, It can (and will) take a bit of time to adjust to the temperatures. The year we moved to Portugal, I had the heaters cranked up to max while bundled up in sweaters and socks. Fast forward to last year, and I found myself opening windows because it was “too hot inside.”

So, while Portugal has its fair share of sunshine and warm days, it’s not exactly a never-ending summer. If you’re planning to make the move, keep this in mind & stay warm!